Concerns in Co-Parenting

The effects of divorce can last long after the last piece of paperwork is signed, particularly for families with children. Once the divorce is finalized, parents and children alike must learn to live in a completely new way. More often than not, this new arrangement will involve some sort of joint or shared custody between the two parents. Co-parenting is a difficult task, requiring newly divorced spouses to shelve their own feelings in order to look out for their child’s best interests.

When living under a co-parenting arrangement, the primary goal of both parents should be the child’s happiness and well-being. Both parents should strive to spend as much quality time with their child as possible. This is an especially tricky task for a non-custodial parent. A non-custodial father or mother must work twice as hard to ensure that they are still present in their child’s life. That is not to say that a non-custodial parent has to throw a lavish party every time they see their child – simply being there for birthdays, dance performances, piano recitals, the big football game – these are the little things which a child will remember.

A co-parenting situation creates a conflict between the roles of ex-spouse/spouse and parent. The role of ex-spouse/spouse is likely to be focused on the pain of a failed relationship in the former case, and the task of building a new relationship in the latter. Both roles can interfere with the primary role of being a good parent. Successfully fostering a parent-child relationship in a co-parenting situation requires great sacrifice on the part of the parents – emotions must be put aside for the sake of the child. No child wants to see their parents get into a fight during their birthday party.

If your marriage is ending and you need the legal advice of an experienced Austin family lawyer, contact the professionals at the KennonLegal Ltd. LLP law firm today. Call 512-931-3726 for more information.